The new chairperson of the Hout Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF) has urged residents to remember to arm their alarms.
Anthony Chemaly, who took over from Toby Adams as CPF chair in April, has also warned the public not to leave valuables in their cars overnight.
There have been home invasions, burglaries and smash-and-grab cases in Hout Bay in recent months.
“While some residents have alarm systems installed in their homes, we are finding that these aren’t always being activated. Often the burglaries occur during the day, and people come home to find all their belongings are gone,” he said.
“When in comes to smash-and-grabs, those who have to park their cars on the street are particularly vulnerable. We understand not everyone has access to a garage, so it is vital that people don’t leave their valuables on the back seat.”
Mr Chemaly said special ratings areas (SRAs), where residents pay more for more law enforcement and top-up municipal services, were a good idea.
Llandudno, Penzance, Overkloof and Mount Rhodes have already become SRAs, while Hughenden, Meadows and Oakwood, Disa and Orangekloof, and Scott Estate and Baviaanskloof are in the process of doing so. “It is a sustainable funding model, and residents can choose what they want to do with the budget,” said Mr Chemaly.
“Penzance has been particularly successful, with a dramatic decrease in crime. Together with neighbourhood watch involvement, it is a highly effective model. People are empowered to take responsibility for their own area.”
Mr Chemaly said he also wanted to tackle crime in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg. He outlined a plan to recruit and train volunteers from those areas to join law enforcement auxiliaries and police reservist programme.
“It is no secret that our local SAPS is heavily understaffed, and there are only two vehicles on patrol. People are inclined to point out that the recent taxi shootings have taken place right outside the police station,
but the fact is that the few officers
we do have are out on patrol at that time.
“Imagine if we had reservists and auxiliary officers out there in six or seven vehicles making arrests. It would make a huge difference.
That would be my nirvana.
“We need to recognise that as a community we need to sort our_
selvesoutwhenitcomesto
crime.”
